Monuments in Paris

Sightseeing in Paris is like plunging into ancient history: remains of the old Roman Lutetia, grand medieval abbeys, gothic masterpieces, classical architecture, collections from Napoleonic times, perspectives defined by Haussmann...

An exceptional density of artistic and cultural valuables to choose from at each visit! 180 museums and monuments for your delectation: discover internationally-renowned collections of sculpture, decorative and painting arts, go in search of iconic emblems, symbols of the influence of an era, take inspiration from a wealth of contemporary heritage – all this makes Paris a capital of the arts, both present and past.

Cathédrale de Notre Dame de Paris (Our Lady of Paris, in English) is one of the most important Cathedrals in France and one of the most popular Cathedrals in the world. It reflects the born of Gothic Architecture style by being one of the first Cathedrals built under this style.

Its conception comes from a social need, a need of a new symbol for a new social and political power and by1160 the church of Saint Stephen (where Notre Dame Cathedral is now located) was looked upon as obsolete since it could not really display the prestige of a fast growing urban society.

The Champs-Elysées (The Elysian Fields), located in Paris is probably the world's most famous avenue, for all citizens because major events such as the military parade of July 14 and New Year’s Eve celebrations take place here, for sports lovers because is the place where the Tour de France finishes each year, and the benchmark for lovers fashion because there find the major fashion houses, and surely an incredible romantic street full of people, both day and night. The name is taken from “Elusia” that in Greek mythology meant a place where heroes come to relax.

The Arc de Triomphe is one of the most spectacular monuments of Europe, that stands in the centre of Place Charles de Gaulle, also known as the Place de l'Etoile.

Its construction was began in 1806, por orden de Napoleón I en honor those who fought for France, particularly during the Napoleonic Wars, and today also includes the tomb of the unknown soldier.

Chapelle expiatoire

The garden area of Chapelle Expiatoire began in 1720 and was used as the new burial grounds of the parish of La Sainte Madeleine. In 1770, it was used to bury the 133 people who were killed in an accident resulting from a fire and stampede that occurred at a fireworks display during the wedding of the dauphin, Louis, who was to become Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette.

The bodies of more than three hundred Swiss were buried in this cemetery of what was to become the grounds of Chapelle Expiatoire who were slaughtered while making a heroic stand to protect the Tuileries Palace from a mob. The expiatory chapel was built in 1815 on the orders of the late king’s brother, Louis XVIII.

The Chapelle Expiatoire was built on three levels, there is an entry hall that leads to an enclosed area. The area is of simple design, planted with roses and flanked with gravestones in remembrance of the dead.

Conciergerie

On the banks of the River Seine in heart of Paris you can visit the Conciergerie, the most ancient part of "Palais de la Cité", the place that was used as a prison during the French Revolution becoming the first royal palace in the French capital. At the beginning the Conciergerie was part of the palace of the Kings of France, later became the first Paris prison in 1391 and its popularity grew during the 1789 French revolution.

Domaine national du Palais-Royal

At first, its name was the Palais-Cardinal later it became a royal palace after the cardinal bequeathed the building to King Louis XIII. Louis XIV, the Sun King, spent his youth here before moving to the nearby Louvre and later to Versailles. For four centuries it has been a seat of power and place of pleasure and, since 1986, containing Daniel Buren's site-specific art piece.

Hotel de Béthune-Sully

Between courtyard and garden, the Hotel de Sully is one of the finest mansions in Paris. Le Marais, this monument of XVII century was the home of Superintendent of Finance of Henry IV, Maximilien de Bethune, Duke of Sully.

Sully hosts since 1967 the seat of the Centre of National Monuments. The courtyard hosts its Information Center. The library is accessible to all. Installed in the large parlor, one can observe the ceiling beams and joists painted. The garden, originally consisting of embroidery plant, provides access to the Place des Vosges.

Musée des Plans-Reliefs

The Army Museum is located in the Hotel des Invalides, this museum displays a magnificent collection of maps and relief models of France. Surprisingly its development began in 1866 and became the oldest map, of the town of Perpignan. Louis XIV founded the collection, as a way to get a visual idea of the mechanism of his troops throughout the country, and was considered "top secret" state information (not to be seen by the public eye). Finally, the museum opened to the public in the 1950s, when the information maps and models could be broadcasted.

Panthéon

Originally the Pantheon Paris was a church in 1744, but wasn’t actually finished until 1789, in this time the churches were not popular anymore and instead this building became a temple honouring various historical French figures and after many changes now combines liturgical functions with its role as a famous burial place. Originally, The church was dedicated to St. Genevieve.

The masterpiece of the architect Soufflot, on the Montagne Sainte-Geneviève in Paris. Discover the famous people buried in the mausoleum who marked the history and identity of France. Appreciate the extensive views over Paris from the external colonnade of the dome.

Sainte-Chapelle

The King Louis IX of France founded Sainte-Chapelle, who constructed it as a house to have precious relics and a chapel for the royal palace. In 1246, it was built during the Middle Ages by Saint Louis, the King of France. At the begin, the Sainte Chapelle was built as a shrine for Jesus Christ's thorn crown, later the crown was transferred to Constantinople, now Istambul.

The Middle Age churches with their painted walls are represented by the interior of the Sainte Chapelle, considered finest royal chapel to be built in France and features a truly exceptional collection of stained-glass windows. The monument is a gem of French Gothic architecture, designated world heritage site by UNESCO.